Patricia C. Wrede

Patricia C. Wrede, born in 1953, is an American writer specializing in fantasy literature. She is widely recognized for her "Enchanted Forest Chronicles" series aimed at young adults, a collection that was notably ranked among NPR's 100 Best-Ever Teen Novels. Wrede's academic background includes a degree in biology from Carleton College and an MBA from the University of Minnesota. She began her writing career in 1978, transitioning to full-time author status in 1985. She was an early member of The Scribblies, a collaborative writing group, and has participated in the Liavek shared-world anthology. Her literary archive is preserved at Northern Illinois University. Wrede's personal life includes being a pescatarian and residing in the Twin Cities with her cats.

Patricia C. Wrede's professional writing journey began after obtaining degrees in biology and business. She completed her initial book in 1978, working concurrently as an accountant. A significant period of her early career involved her membership in The Scribblies, a writers' collective formed in 1980, where she remained for five years. Her first book was sold in 1980 and published in 1982. Wrede also became involved with the Liavek shared-world anthology, contributing to its collaborative narrative landscape. Her professional papers and manuscripts were later donated to Northern Illinois University's Rare Books and Special Collections department in 2009, ensuring their preservation. The support she provided to author Lois McMaster Bujold is also acknowledged as crucial for Bujold's early career development.

Wrede is celebrated for several distinct series and standalone novels. The "Enchanted Forest Chronicles" is perhaps her most well-known young adult series, following the adventures of Princess Cimorene. Her "Lyra" series comprises loosely connected standalone stories set in a unified world, though their chronological publication order differs from their internal narrative sequence. She also co-authored the "Cecelia and Kate" series with Caroline Stevermer, notable for its epistolary format and unique collaborative writing process known as the "Letter Game." Other series include "Magic and Malice," featuring a gentleman wizard and his protégée, and the "Frontier Magic" trilogy, which explores a young woman's life on the American frontier. Additionally, Wrede has penned retellings of classic tales, such as "Snow White and Rose Red," and junior novelizations of Star Wars films.

“I don't think I ever read anything only once.”